This week’s Where on Earth could be another toughy, and I’m barring one of our loyal readers from making any guesses (oddsocks, I’m looking at you. Shh!) Everyone else: what city was this picture taken in? Here’s a hint: there’s an asteroid named after the town, and it’s also mentioned in an R.E.M. song. That’s all I’ll give you. Good luck!
Where on Earth, Week 37: Irkutsk, Russia
We didn’t have anyone guess the exact city this week, however, Jeff came closest with a stab at St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the right country, but about five time zones off.
The above photo was taken of a legendary location–well, legendary if you’ve ever played the board game Risk. Irkutsk is one of those valuable territories that simply must be captured if you want to own Asia and win the game.
Irkutsk, however, is not a region, but rather a city of 600,000 located in the eastern part of Siberia. I found it to be a nice, peaceful city with some surprisingly richly decorated buildings stretching back to the 1880s when a local gold rush pumped money into the area and transformed Irkutsk into the “Paris of the East.”
The real joy of visiting these days, however, is the city’s close proximity to Lake Baikal, the deepest fresh water lake in the world. This may not sound too terribly exciting, but believe me, it is well worth the trip into the wonderland of Siberia to check out.
Where on Earth? Week 37
I’m on a roll having stumped everyone last week with yet another photo of Georgia.
Will I be as lucky this time around? I have a feeling I might make it two weeks in a row as this is most certainly a very challenging location as well.
If you think you have an idea where this might be, write your guess in the comments section below and come back on Friday when we reveal the location. If I find everyone struggling, I just might drop a hint on Thursday.
Where on Earth? Week 36: Vardzia, Georgia
Wow. This is only the second time we’ve stumped you with Where on Earth; the first time was coincidentally within the same country of Georgia.
Those who guessed Turkey came closest. The former Soviet Republic borders Turkey and naturally shares some of the same limestone geology that makes a cave city such as the one featured above possible.
This particular location, Vardzia, was built (or, rather, dug) in the 12th century and at its peak, was home to 50,000 troglodytes living amongst 13 floors of caves and tunnels. Although a major earthquake in the 13th century destroyed much of the cave city, there is still a substantial amount left to provide an entertaining day of tunneling and exploring. Be sure to bring a flashlight, however. Some of the tunnels are long and dark and can be quite intimidating without a guide.
Where on Earth? Week 36
Okay. We have a great one this week that no one is going to get. Sure, I’ve promised this before and have been proven wrong every time. But, this time is different. Honest!
If you think you might have an idea where these caves are located, please insert your guess in the comment section below. This one is so difficult, however, that I’m willing to accept just the country where it’s located. Bonus points, of course, if you can come up with the actual name of the place.
Come back on Friday and we’ll reveal the location. Good luck!